12 Free Tools I'd Use to Learn Japanese (If I Could Start Over)

Summary

This video script introduces a variety of free tools to aid in learning Japanese, including resources for mastering hiragana and katakana, vocabulary, grammar, kanji, and reading practice. It also highlights platforms for listening and pronunciation practice, and suggests two paid tools, Netflix and Nintendo Switch, which can be repurposed for language learning. The video promises to reveal lesser-known gems and encourages viewers to share their own favorite tools in the comments.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start learning Japanese with the phonetic scripts Hiragana and Katakana, using the Tofugu blog post as a guide.
• 🔍 Use gshow.org for a dictionary on PC and the 'Japanese' app on Android or iOS for English to Japanese definitions, utilizing the list tool for vocabulary tracking.
• 📚 For advanced learners, consider using a Japanese to Japanese dictionary like the Weblio app, though it lacks offline capabilities.
• 📚 Anki is a powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help with vocabulary retention, with many community-created decks available.
• 📚 Memorize is an alternative flashcard website with leaderboards and mnemonics, though it lacks example sentences.
• 📚 Utilize YouTube for grammar lessons, specifically the Genki and quartet textbooks, with free content available on the recommended channel.
• 📚 Kanji learning can be aided by 'Remembering the Kanji' book and Anki decks, but free resources are limited.
• 📚 Tadoko offers free graded readers and stories with audio narration, a great resource for reading practice.
• 📚 Yomo is a platform for reading ongoing novels by Japanese authors, which can be combined with the Yomichan browser add-on for instant vocabulary lookup.
• 🎮 NovelGame.jp provides visual novels and reading-heavy games, some free, for additional reading practice.
• 🎧 Uglish.com is a valuable tool for listening practice with videos and transcripts, allowing for real-world language exposure and shadowing.
• 📺 Netflix and the Nintendo Switch can be repurposed for Japanese language learning with Japanese audio and subtitles, providing immersive media experiences.

Q & A

What are the two Japanese phonetic scripts mentioned in the script?

The two Japanese phonetic scripts mentioned are Hiragana and Katakana.

Which website is recommended for learning Hiragana and Katakana according to the script?

The script recommends the tofugu blog post for learning Hiragana and Katakana.

What are the two tools suggested for Japanese vocabulary learning?

The two tools suggested for Japanese vocabulary learning are Anki and Memorize.

What dictionary is recommended for Japanese to English definitions on PC?

The recommended dictionary for Japanese to English definitions on PC is gshow.org.

Which app is suggested for Japanese to Japanese dictionary purposes?

The app suggested for Japanese to Japanese dictionary purposes is Weblio.

What is Anki known for in the context of language learning?

Anki is known as the grandfather of flashcard apps, which shows review cards to users when they are theoretically about to forget the information.

What feature of Anki is particularly useful for vocabulary learning?

The feature of Anki that is particularly useful for vocabulary learning is the availability of hundreds of free shared decks created by the community, including audio and example sentences.

What is the main advantage of using a Japanese to Japanese dictionary like Weblio?

The main advantage of using a Japanese to Japanese dictionary like Weblio is that it helps in understanding the language in its native context, although it's not an offline dictionary.

What is the recommended method for learning Kanji according to the script?

The script recommends using the book 'Remembering the Kanji' by James Heisig combined with an Anki deck for learning Kanji.

What are the three tools mentioned for Japanese reading practice?

The three tools mentioned for Japanese reading practice are Tadoku, Yomo, and Novelgame.jp.

What is the recommended tool for listening and pronunciation practice in Japanese?

The recommended tool for listening and pronunciation practice in Japanese is uglish.com Japanese.

Which two paid tools that one might already have are mentioned in the script?

The two paid tools mentioned are Netflix and Nintendo Switch.

How can one access more Japanese content on Netflix using a VPN?

By using a VPN service and connecting to a server in Japan, one can access more series in Japanese with Japanese subtitles.

What is the purpose of the browser add-on Yomichan when reading Japanese novels on Yomo?

Yomichan allows users to shift-click on a word to see its reading and meaning instantly, and even create Anki cards for further study.

What is the advantage of using the uglish.com Japanese tool for listening practice?

Uglish.com Japanese allows users to search for a word or grammar point and see videos where it is used, with transcripts for reading along and word definitions.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Essential Free Tools for Japanese Language Learning

This paragraph introduces a variety of free tools for learning Japanese, including resources for mastering hiragana and katakana, dictionaries for vocabulary, grammar tutorials, kanji learning, and reading practice. It also mentions tools for listening and pronunciation practice. The Tofugu blog post is highlighted as an excellent starting point for learning the phonetic scripts, while gshow.org and the 'Japanese' app are recommended for English to Japanese definitions. For advanced learners, the weblio app is suggested for a Japanese to Japanese dictionary. Anki is praised for its flashcard system that optimizes review intervals, and Memorize is noted for its user-generated mnemonics. Additionally, YouTube is recommended for grammar lessons, and Tadoku is mentioned for graded reading materials.

05:01

🎮 Leveraging Free and Paid Media for Japanese Language Acquisition

The second paragraph discusses the use of free and paid media for listening practice and immersion in the Japanese language. Tadoku's free stories with audio narration are suggested for beginners, while intermediate learners can explore yomo for novels and use browser add-ons like yomichan for instant translations and flashcard creation. Novelgame.jp is highlighted for visual novels and interactive reading experiences. For advanced listening practice, uglish.com Japanese is recommended for video transcripts and vocabulary exploration. The paragraph concludes with suggestions of using Netflix and a VPN for accessing Japanese media, and the Nintendo Switch set to Japanese for language immersion through gaming. It also invites viewers to share their favorite tools and hints at upcoming kanji learning series on the channel.

Keywords

💡Hiragana

Hiragana is one of the three Japanese phonetic scripts, alongside Katakana and Kanji. It is used for representing native Japanese words and is fundamental for reading and writing in Japanese. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning Hiragana as the starting point for anyone learning Japanese, suggesting that it will simplify the learning process in the long run.

💡Katakana

Katakana is another phonetic script in Japanese, primarily used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis. The video script mentions Katakana in the context of being a crucial script to learn along with Hiragana, especially for beginners, and it is suggested to be learned before engaging with Roman characters.

💡Dictionaries

Dictionaries are essential tools for language learners, providing definitions and translations. The script recommends specific dictionaries for Japanese vocabulary learning, such as gshow.org for PC and the 'Japanese' app for mobile devices. These dictionaries are highlighted for their features that facilitate vocabulary acquisition and retention.

💡Anki

Anki is a flashcard application that uses spaced repetition to help users memorize information more efficiently. The video mentions Anki as a valuable tool for reviewing Japanese vocabulary, with the added benefit of community-created decks that include audio and example sentences, which are crucial for understanding word usage.

💡Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids, often in the form of stories or associations, that help learners remember information. The script refers to user-generated mnemonics on the Memorize website, which are used to facilitate the memorization of Japanese vocabulary through creative and personalized techniques.

💡Grammar

Grammar refers to the set of structural rules governing the composition of expressions in a language. The video script suggests using YouTube, specifically a channel that covers Genki and quartet textbooks, as a free resource for learning Japanese grammar. It also mentions the availability of various other channels and websites for grammar instruction.

💡Kanji

Kanji are the Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system, representing concepts rather than sounds. The script discusses the challenge of learning Kanji and mentions resources like 'Remembering the Kanji' by James Heisig and Anki decks for memorization. It also touches on the limitations of free Kanji learning tools.

💡Tadoku

Tadoku is a platform that offers graded readers for Japanese learners, with a selection of free stories on their website. The video script highlights Tadoku as an excellent resource for reading practice, featuring easy stories with audio narration that help learners improve their comprehension skills.

💡Yomo

Yomo is a platform where Japanese authors can publish their works, and it is mentioned in the script as a source for intermediate learners to find and read novels for free. The script also recommends using browser add-ons like Yomichan to assist with reading by providing instant translations and readings.

💡Uglish

Uglish.com is a listening practice tool mentioned in the script, where users can search for specific words or grammar points and find videos where they are used in context. It includes transcripts for reading along and offers the ability to click on words for definitions, enhancing understanding and pronunciation.

💡Netflix

Although not a traditional language learning tool, Netflix is highlighted in the script as a resource for listening practice through the use of anime and Japanese dramas. The speaker suggests changing the audio and subtitle settings to Japanese to immerse oneself in the language, even recommending the use of a VPN for accessing more content.

Highlights

Introduction of a free tool for learning Japanese phonetic scripts, Hiragana and Katakana.

Recommendation of three dictionaries for Japanese vocabulary learning.

Suggestion of a tool for Japanese grammar learning.

Introduction of a tool for learning Kanji or Chinese characters in Japanese.

Recommendation of three tools for Japanese reading practice.

Introduction of a tool for listening and pronunciation practice in Japanese.

Mention of two paid tools that can be great for Japanese learning.

The Tofugu blog post as a starting point for learning Hiragana and Katakana.

Use of gshow.org and the Japanese app for English to Japanese definitions.

Advantages of the Japanese app's list tool for vocabulary tracking.

Introduction of the weblio app for Japanese to Japanese dictionary needs.

Anki as a flashcard app for spaced repetition and vocabulary memorization.

Memorize website's use of leaderboards and mnemonics for learning.

YouTube as a free resource for Japanese grammar lessons.

The book 'Remembering the Kanji' by James Heisig for Kanji learning.

Tadoku's free graded readers for Japanese learners.

Yomo as a platform for reading novels and practicing Japanese.

Use of browser add-on Yomichan for instant vocabulary lookup.

Novelgame.jp as a source for visual novels and reading games in Japanese.

Uglish.com as a tool for listening practice with real Japanese usage.

Netflix and Nintendo Switch as potential paid tools for Japanese media consumption.

Invitation for viewers to share their Japanese learning tools in the comments.

Transcripts

what's going on guys today I'm gonna

give you one tool for learning the

Japanese phonetic scripts hiragana and

Katakana three dictionaries two tools

for Japanese vocabulary one tool for

Japanese grammar one tool for kanji or

Chinese characters three amazing tools

for Japanese reading practice and one

phenomenal tool for listening and

pronunciation practice and the best part

is they are all completely free I'll

also show you two amazing tools that

aren't free but that you might already

have you just might not realize how

great of a Japanese learning tool they

are

the tofugu blog post for learning

hiragana and Katakana are where pretty

much everyone should start throw away

Roman characters and learn the hiragana

in Katakana before you do anything else

it will make your life easier in the

long run and this website teaches it

great

you're also gonna need a dictionary when

learning any new language for Japanese

to English definitions I use gshow.org

when on PC and the app Japanese when on

Android or iOS Japanese is especially

good because of its list stool that

allows you to make lists for whatever

you're learning from directly from the

definitions page it's an amazing tool

for tracking what you're learning for

the more advanced among you who want to

try a Japanese to Japanese dictionary I

use the app weblio it's good enough but

it's not an offline dictionary so keep

that in mind

Anki is the grandfather of flashcard

apps it shows you cards to review only

when you're theoretically about to

forget them there are hundreds of free

shared decks created by the community

and you can even make your own although

there is a slight learning curve when it

comes to making nice looking decks I'll

post a link in the description to one of

the most popular shared beginner

vocabulary decks which contains audio

and example sentences both of which I

think are very important for seeing how

new words are used and hearing what they

sound like that link will be in the

description memorize is another

flashcard like website that many people

like I like memorize when I was first

learning Japanese because of the

leaderboards and the user-generated

mnemonics which are often included on

the flashcards mnemonics are basically

just stories that you use to memorize

things a negative would memorize though

is that there are rarely example

sentences I'd always go with Anki

personally but this is another option if

you hate Anki which some people do let

me know in the comments if you're one of

those people

for grammar I'd use YouTube specifically

this channel I've done full lectures on

every single grammar lesson in the Genki

and quartet textbooks I do have premium

content on tokenyandy.com as well but I

teach everything here which is

completely free so get subscribed if

you're interested in catching up on

Japanese grammar but there are tons of

channels out there teaching grammar on

YouTube so try a few out and see whose

explanations make the most sense to you

there are some popular grammar websites

out there which I used to recommend but

I've stopped doing so for various

reasons somewhat major mistakes I

started finding over time being one of

those reasons

kanji are the Chinese characters used in

most Japanese words you will want to

learn them eventually I personally used

and loved the book remembering the kanji

by James haysig combined with an Anki

deck for it I then learned readings for

kanji by reading and learning them in

context of words I often added the words

I couldn't read to an Anki deck but that

book is not free wanikani is popular but

only the first three levels are free I

actually had a whole part written for

this video about the website kanji

Garden before realizing that you can't

really progress much for free there

either there are almost no free tools

that I actually like for kanji there are

free shared flashcard decks on Anki but

the only problem with that is you don't

get to learn about how kanji are made up

or get tips on how to memorize them for

that reason I'm gonna do a new series on

kanji on this channel this year if you

think that's a good idea for a video

series let me know in the comments or

just hit the like button which always

helps if there is a free kind tool that

you like please let everyone else know

down in the comments

tadoku is a company that makes graded

readers for Japanese Learners they sell

a set that is very expensive and they

also have paid apps but for the past few

years they've been releasing lots and

lots of free stories on their website

this is a great place to start

practicing your reading they're usually

easy stories with audio narration that

are easy enough to read without having

to translate which is wonderful I wish

there were way more of these on the

internet we have a ton of stories like

this on tokenandy.com but unfortunately

that's not free so we're not talking

about that today for the intermediate

and above among you

yomo is a place where many Japanese

authors get their start you can find

continuing novels being written here and

you can read them for free you can

combine them with a browser add-on like

yomichan which allows you to shift click

on a word and see the reading and

meaning instantly you can even click a

button to automatically create an Anki

card I did a video on how to set up

yomichan which you can check out after

this one that is another tool I highly

recommend anyway you can even find the

original versions of now very popular

series still available on this website

today novelgame.jp is a fun little site

where people release visual novels and

other reading heavy games that they

created on their own some of them seem

really good too and many of them are

free

for listening first you can use the

tadoku site I mentioned earlier because

most of the stories have audio included

you can also watch Japanese YouTube

videos for listening practice obviously

but my favorite tool for listening

practice is

uglish.com Japanese here you can do a

quick search for a new word or grammar

you just learned and then see tons of

videos where that exact word grammar or

phrase is used it also has the

transcript so you can read along and

even click on words for definitions or

you can use yomijan which I mentioned

earlier this is just a wonderful way to

see how the Japanese you're learning is

actually used by real people you can

even Shadow these videos which is an

excellent way to practice speaking

Japanese even when you don't have anyone

to practice with another way I like to

use this site is by entering a phrase

I'm considering using and seeing if it's

ever shown in a video if the turn of

phrase I'm trying to use has never

appeared in a video it might not be the

right way to say what I'm trying to say

so this can be really helpful

so I promised you two paid tools you

might already have one you might have

already guessed it's Netflix if you have

a Netflix you already have access to

tons of great anime and Japanese dramas

just switch the language to Japanese in

the settings of whatever series you're

watching even if you are in a country

that doesn't have a Japanese version of

a show if you have a VPN service you can

connect to a server in Japan and access

even more series in Japanese with

Japanese subtitles so with the VPN and

video service you can basically get

endless media in Japanese and then

there's the Nintendo switch change your

Nintendo switch into Japanese from the

settings and many of your games will

suddenly be playable in Japanese

some great games for practicing Japanese

that you might already have are Pokemon

Scarlet or Violet Animal Crossing and

Ace Attorney Yokai Watch is also a great

place to start if you happen to have a

copy you can actually even create a

Japanese language separate account and

then access the Japanese Nintendo store

which has a lot of games that aren't

available overseas the channel game

gengo also did an excellent tier list on

the best Nintendo switch games for

learning Japanese I recommend checking

that out to see what else you might

already have what are some tools that I

missed or hidden gems that you use in

your Japanese learning let me know in

the comments and if you want to help

support the channel and get tons of

learning material in return check out

tokineandy.com or check out our free and

super supportive Discord Channel Link in

the description check out this video for

even more tools to help you learn

Japanese

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